The Environmental Protection Department today (July 2) reminded members of the public that the Producer Responsibility Scheme on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WPRS) will come into effect on August 1, 2018. The WPRS will cover air-conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, computers, printers, scanners and monitors, which are collectively referred to as regulated electrical equipment (REE). The department also urged suppliers and sellers of REE to gear up for the implementation of the WPRS.

Starting August 1 this year, a consumer who purchases REE can ask the seller to arrange a free statutory removal service to dispose of an item of the same type. Under the arrangement, the designated collector by the seller will remove the waste equipment from a premises as requested by the consumer to a designated recycler for proper treatment. In addition, sellers will have to provide consumers with a recycling label in respect of each REE and a receipt showing the recycling levies, which serve to show that the purchased REE is distributed under the WPRS.

In addition to the free statutory removal service arranged by sellers with a purchase of new REE, members of the public, if necessary, can also call the EPD's recycling hotline 2676 8888 to arrange for collection service for abandoned REE provided by the operator of the Government's waste electrical and electronic equipment treatment and recycling facility, WEEE·PARK.

Furthermore, starting August 1 this year, an REE supplier must be registered with the EPD before distributing the above mentioned REE, while an REE seller must have a removal service plan endorsed by the EPD for selling REE. An EPD spokesman reminded members of the trade concerned who have not yet applied to the EPD to act as soon as possible to ensure compliance with the relevant legal requirements when the law comes into effect. They can call the EPD hotline 2310 0223 for enquiries about the applications.

To prepare for the implementation of the WPRS, the EPD and the trade have jointly launched trial schemes since late last year to facilitate the trade and stakeholders to get prepared and familiarise themselves with the relevant operation. The EPD has also organised briefings for members of the trade and has met with trade associations to explain in detail the operation of the WPRS. The EPD with assistance of its appointed service provider has arranged staff to conduct follow-up contacts and shop visits, during which they brief members of the trade about the statutory requirements, and provide the latter with information packages, application forms and promotional materials. It has also been providing assistance to the sellers in completing the application forms, and remind them of the need to ensure compliance with the relevant legal requirements starting August 1 this year.

The control over the disposal, import and export of abandoned REE will come into effect on December 31, 2018. The EPD also urges those interested in obtaining the relevant licences to make applications as soon as possible.

The EPD will launch Announcements in the Public Interest of the WPRS on television and other online platforms tomorrow (July 3). Relevant information will also be advertised on radio and public transportation media platforms. Members of the public can also visit the dedicated website weee.gov.hk for details of the WPRS.